Program Job Description – Wardens

Program:

Mission:

Lead the vestry, along with the rector, in overseeing and managing the affairs of the parish

Vestry Contact:

N/A

Members:

<See Vestry Job Description>

Responsibilities:

Senior Warden

Fulfill all the duties of a vestry member as outlined in the Vestry Job Description

Exercise signature authority on behalf of the parish for checks, financial documents and legal documents

Act as an adviser to the rector and take an interest in the well-being of the rector and his or her family

Meet with rector and Junior Warden to plan:

Monthly vestry meetings

Yearly vestry retreat

In the absence of a rector, along with the Junior Warden:

Function as a communication link with the diocese

Convene and preside at the vestry meetings

Make provisions for Sunday worship

Take responsibility for the administration and maintenance of the congregation’s properties

Act as custodians of the congregation’s registers and records

Execute canonical responsibilities:

When the rector or priest-in-charge is absent or disabled and unable to give consent to another member of the clergy to officiate at worship services, one of the wardens is responsible for giving consent

Calendar:

Meet with Treasurer and Fincom to finalize budget
Meet with rector to plan the vestry retreat

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

NO VESTRY MEETING

August

September

October

November

Review draft budget with Treasurer and Fincom

December

References:

The Vestry Resource Guide

Church office or from the Episcopal Church Foundation

All Saints’ Parish Bylaws

Church Office

Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

Church Office or Diocese

Canons of the Episcopal Church

Church Office or Diocese

Useful Info:

The Junior and Senior Warden traditionally act as a team to lead the vestry in performing its duties. When one warden is absent, the remaining warden takes over full responsibility and signature authority. The wardens work closely with the rector and must strive to develop a trusting relationship with him or her.The wardens typically share responsibilities but there are some duties that are traditionally done by the junior warden at All saints’. These are:

Meet regularly with the rector to review the life of the parish, plan ahead, and solve problems

Support the rector in the performance of his or her duties. Encourage the rector to take corrective action if he or she is overworked or has health or family problems.

Provide leadership so the vestry can identify the vision, mission and goals of the congregation

Demonstrate a consistently positive attitude that seeks to solve problems, recognizes accomplishments and holds up those things that build community and furthers the mission of the Church

Be available to discuss any and all concerns with the rector, maintaining confidentiality as appropriate

Be available to discuss any and all concerns with members of the congregation

Ensure that policies and procedures are in place regarding employee and volunteer misconduct. Take any questions, concerns or complaints to the rector

Intervene promptly in the event that the rector is charged with misconduct or has drug or alcohol problems. Speak with the rector and the bishop about the situation.

Petition the bishop in writing on behalf of the vestry to intervene in cases where conflict imperils the pastoral relationship between the rector and the congregation.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church welcomes all people who seek the love of God without regard to ability, age, color, economic circumstance, ethnic background, family configuration, gender, nationality, or sexual orientation. We promise to “seek to serve Christ in all persons, …strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”